Charley Crockett and Noeline Hofmann Honor Texas at The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel’s ‘Musicians on Musicians’ Event

Rolling Stone and Sonesta International Hotels kicked off the first stop of their much-anticipated 2025 ‘Musicians on Musicians’ tour in Austin, TX this past March. The city, which is famously known as the live music capital of the world, proved to be the perfect starting point for this exclusive series of events, which pairs conversation and concerts with some of today’s top artists.

Sonesta Travel Pass guests convened at the iconic Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta hotel, located smack-dab in the downtown area. As they ascended the hotel’s elegant front-entrance staircase, they were greeted by an inviting room, complete with open bars, numerous hors d’oeuvres, and incredible company. Both friends and strangers alike gathered around a photo op, sporting cowboy hats and sipping Texas-themed cocktails. Others mingled on the hotel’s gorgeous balcony, watching the bustling Congress Street foot traffic, and capturing vibrant sunset photos of the Texas State Capitol.

The floor soon flooded with invitees, who promptly took their seats, eager to hear an intimate discussion between Rolling Stone’s senior music editor Joseph Hudak, Grammy-nominated artist Charley Crockett, and Country sensation Noeline Hofmann. Both artists, through possessing different sounds, have carved important lanes in the Country music space over the last several years. The two, who are embarking on a tour later in the year, spoke about their careers, musical influences and deep love for Texas. 

A sense of place has been a huge factor within the storytelling of both Crockett and Hofmann’s songs. The duo discussed the importance of time and location within their songwriting, comparing Crockett’s Texan roots to Hofmann’s Canadian upbringing. Currently an Austin resident, Crockett reminisced about his time busking under the Texas sun, including out on Congress St. in front of the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta hotel, attempting to get his music career off the ground. Crockett recognized this same spirit in Hofmann, and took on her first ever tour in 2024, which turned the page of an incredible new chapter for the young artist.

 “It was a complete 180,” Hofmann admits to Rolling Stone. “The first step I took on that stage was the first real action, and it’s been hair straight back ever since.”

Afterward, Hofmann took the stage. Illuminated by the ballroom’s chandelier lights, she played a beautiful set consisting of originals and even covers by legendary artists like Johnny Cash and Luke Bell. Her words echoed through the room, as guests were delighted by her soul-touching lyricism. “Thank you so much to Charley, Rolling Stone and Sonesta hotels,” Hoffman concluded, closing her set with her hit song, “Purple Gas.” 

The night was far from over, however. Guests re-upped on cocktails while they waited for Crockett to bless the stage, with his old-school vintage sound. Earlier in the evening, Crockett boasted about his relation to Texas hero, Davy Crockett, so the bar was set high for the group of “lone star” locals, longing to hear Crockett’s voice just feet away. When Crockett’s voice finally crooned through the room, cowboy hats bobbed to tracks from his new record, Lonesome Drifter. Charley shared stories of his history in Austin, and tidbits about the meaning behind each song, often rooted in his deep Texan identity.

The night acted as a double celebration of sorts for both Crockett’s debut release with Island Records, as well as his 41st birthday. Guests took videos of the performance on their phone, while an excited fan in a Charley Crockett tour t-shirt held up a phone with “Happy Birthday” written in bold text. Crockett played a number of new tracks, until eventually closing his set, with a gracious send off to the ‘Musicians on Musicians’ event. “I’d like to thank Royal Sonesta,” Crockett stated. “I love this old hotel!” 

This was the first of many ‘Musicians on Musicians’ events this year, hosted by Sonesta International Hotels. Sonesta Travel Pass guests will continue to receive these exclusive opportunities to join their favorite artists in several other cities, throughout the country. Stay tuned for more updates!